KEN Livingstone's plans to have motorists pay a toll to enter central London will cause an increase in air pollution, the High Court has heard.

Westminster City Council this week began its legal battle to have the London mayor's congestion charging plans declared unlawful. Roger Henderson, QC for the council, told the court, charging would create more traffic jams at the edges of the charging zone and create 'rat runs' as drivers attempt to avoid paying the charge. House prices in these areas would also suffer, the court heard.

Henderson finished presenting the council's case today (Wednesday).

Two Kennington residents, who live on the border of the charging zone to the south of the capital, will now present their case before Livingstone's counsel is allowed to defend the proposals.

The residents' case revolves around the detrimental impact of the charging scheme on property values in areas prone to becoming 'rat runs'.

Westminster City Council is calling for a local enquiry and environmental impact assessment on the charging plans. It believes there has not been sufficient consultation on charging. The council's High Court challenge, which began on Monday, is due to last until the end of the week.